Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Lawyer Disbarred for Filing Frivolous Cases Against Former Client in Revenge
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who filed 12 cases against former client and family to exact revenge for suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
GSIS Pension Rights: Recovering Retirement Benefits After a Wrongful Denial
Learn how the Supreme Court protects government retirees' pension rights, even when GSIS initially approved benefits under the wrong law.
Preventive Suspension: Strong Evidence of Dishonesty Justifies Temporary Removal in Public Service
Supreme Court rules on when preventive suspension of public officials is justified, clarifying the "strong evidence" standard under the Ombudsman Act.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Proving Rehabilitation and Compliance with Disciplinary Orders
The Supreme Court grants a lawyer's petition for reinstatement after serving successive suspensions, showing the path back to practice.
Administrative Due Process: Preliminary Investigation Before Formal Charge Is Mandatory
The Supreme Court voids GSIS administrative charges and suspensions issued without preliminary investigation, and orders back salaries for affected employees.
Preventive Suspension and Due Process: When Filing a Complaint Preempts Company Investigation
A look at Artificio v. NLRC on preventive suspension, due process, and the consequences of filing a dismissal complaint before a scheduled hearing.
Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Philippine Employees Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when preventive suspension and resignation amount to constructive dismissal, and what employees must prove.
Upholding Ethical Standards Attorney Suspension FOR Dishonored Checks AND Disregard OF Legal Processes
Trust and Tax: Protecting Pension Funds Through Beneficial Ownership
How the Supreme Court protected a pension fund's tax-exempt income by recognizing beneficial ownership under Article 1452 of the Civil Code.
Toll Fee Deductions and Due Process: Protecting Employee Wages and Rights in Dismissal Cases
Supreme Court rules on illegal wage deductions from commissions and clarifies the 30-day preventive suspension rule in labor cases.
Safeguarding Employee Rights: The Imperative of Due Process in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Genesis Transport clarifies preventive suspension limits, valid dismissal, and illegal wage deductions under the Labor Code.
Reinstatement After Suspension: The Process for Lawyers to Resume Practice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the procedure for lifting a lawyer's suspension, requiring a sworn statement of compliance before resuming practice.
Lawyer Negligence and Duty to Account: Suspension for Unfinished Case
A lawyer who accepts fees but neglects a client's case and fails to account for money received may face suspension from practice.
Ombudsman Decisions and the Limits of Appeal in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman rulings become final and unappealable, and why the Court of Appeals cannot touch a one-month suspension order.
Sheriffs Must Follow Rules in Executing Money Judgments
A sheriff's failure to remit collected judgment payments to the clerk of court led to a one-year suspension. Learn the proper procedure under Rule 39.
Insubordination and Due Process: Understanding Employee Rights in Disciplinary Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a suspension order is valid, what due process requires, and when defiance justifies dismissal under Philippine law.
Preventive Suspension and the Three-Term Limit Rule: Aldovino v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules that preventive suspension does not interrupt an elective official's term for purposes of the three-term limit rule.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Lead to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for inexcusable negligence—failing to file briefs and appearing in court, causing clients to lose their case.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Due Process and Unexplained Wealth in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman may preventively suspend public officials and what due process requires in unexplained wealth cases.
Liberty vs Military Authority: Balancing Rights in the Philippine Armed Forces
Supreme Court ruling on a general's preventive suspension and arrest, clarifying due process and injunctive relief in military discipline cases.
Supreme Court Disciplines Judge for Extramarital Affair: Dismissal and Three-Year Suspension
SC dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, suspending him from law practice for three years.
Lawyer's Disobedience of Court Orders Warrants One-Year Suspension
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for repeatedly ignoring court directives, despite dismissal of disbarment complaint for lack of merit.
Court Personnel and Immoral Conduct: When Private Acts Become Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how court employees' private immoral conduct can lead to administrative sanctions and suspension.
Lawyer Suspended Six Months for Neglect and Failure to Return Client's Acceptance Fee
Learn how a lawyer's failure to render legal services and return a P50,000 acceptance fee led to a six-month suspension from practice.